Mary’s pavlova is topped with pretty berries, but most fruits work well so feel free to use what’s in season. It’s a great dessert for Christmas because it can be made well ahead.
Christmas & New Year Specials
Christmas & New Year Specials
Serves:
12-15
- Ingredients
- Method
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Method
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 160°C/140°C fan/315°F/Gas 3. Line a baking sheet with baking parchment and draw a 30cm circle on the paper. Draw a 15cm circle in the centre of the 30cm circle.
Step 2
Put six egg whites into a mixing bowl and whisk with an electric whisk until they look like clouds. Gradually add the sugar a little at a time, whisking on maximum speed until they are stiff and glossy. Mix the vinegar and cornflour in a cup until smooth, then stir into the bowl.
Step 3
Spoon the meringue between the 2 circles on the baking parchment, to make a wreath shape. Using a large spoon, make a trench in the meringue for the cream and fruit to sit in. Slide into the oven, then immediately reduce the temperature to 140°C/120°C fan/275°F/Gas 1 and bake for 1 hour–1 hour 15 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave the pavlova inside for an hour or overnight to dry.
Step 4
To assemble, whip the cream, vanilla and icing sugar until just stiff. Spoon the cream into the trench in the meringue. Arrange the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and pomegranate on top and decorate with a few mint leaves, if using. To serve, dust with icing sugar and cut in wedges.
The pavlova can be made up to 1 month ahead and stored: wrap it in clingfilm and then foil and keep in a cool place.
